Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Don't let RA limit your routineLearn more now about a treatment that may help
Sunday, February 06, 2011 Maria asks

Q: Do you have any information on the use of prolia on post menopausal women under the age of 50? The clinical studies involved postmenopausal women over 60. I am bit scared to use this new drug?

Answer This
Answers (1)
Pam Flores, Health Guide
2/ 6/11 10:57am

Hi Maria, welcome...Sorry but I haven't talked to anyone who's taken this since it's release.  If anyone posts about taking this medication, I'll let you know.

 

Here's a link to Prolia's prescribing info, and a article I wrote on it.  I can't say for sure, but I would imagine the side effects would be the same, regardless of age. 

 

Prolia is recommended for those at high risk, which usually means previous fracture and a t-score below -2.5.  Some insurance co's will be strict on this requirement and some may not.  Before you make any decision, also check on the coverage of this with your insurance.  If you find you do not want to take it, explain that to your Dr. since it is your decision.

 

Good luck and if you find someone who's taken this, will you let us know?

Reply
2/12/11 6:57am

Hello, I am not under 50, but am 55. At 53, I was diagnosed with osteopenia. Only two years later, I developed osteoporosis. Since I have G.I. issues, my G.P. felt that Prolia would be ideal for treatment. I received my first injection a little over a week ago. After only one day, I developed severe itching and small red bumps (rash) on my abdomen and lower back. After a few more days, I began experiencing bone pain and increased lower back pain (I have a back injury). I have had this back injury for several years, and know the difference between the "usual" back injury pain and when there might be an increase in the intensity. The bone pain (little stabbing sensations) are occurring in my shoulder blade area and the inside of my ankle. I hope this helps. This leaves me with a great deal of concern as to what other side-effects might occur. I am small-framed and need to rebuild bone.  If there is anyone else out there who has begun Prolia, or who has experienced similiar symptoms, please reply. 

Reply
Pam Flores, Health Guide
2/12/11 3:35pm

Hi concerned, welcome...So sorry you had a bad reaction to Prolia.  Have you reported your side effects to anyone (doctor-FDA)?  The severe itching and red bumps don't sound good, and I would wonder if you're having an allergice reaction.  Only your doctor could tell you this though.

 

Do keep us posted on how you do, and I wondered if you were able to talk to any other patients at this doctors office that took it as well.  It would be interesting to see what others might be experiencing.

 

Good luck and do read the side effects, listed in Amgens prescribing info.

Reply
2/13/11 7:06am

Dear Pam, thank you for your response. Yes, I immediately called my G.P. once the itching/rash began. I was told to take Benadryl, but it did not help. I found a form to fill out (to report an adverse reactions to the FDA), and I am forwarding it this week.

 

Thanks again for the reply...I will keep in touch. I would like to hear from anyone else who may be experiencing any similar symptoms/side-effects. Thank you!

Reply
2/12/11 10:11pm

Sorry to hear that you have had these reactions.  I am going to wait a bit longer until I decide what to do.  Prolia seems like a very powerful drug.  I heard it is now prescribed (under another name) for cancer treatment.

Reply
2/13/11 7:10am

Thank you. Please do not let my experience deter you from taking the medication. There are always pros and cons. I decided to take this because I have gastrointestinal issues and would not have been able to tolerate many of the other osteoporosis treatments that are available. Yes, I also heard that it is being used, in much higher doses, for cancer treatment.

Reply
2/13/11 11:45am

Has the rash gone away?  How are you doing now?  Any other side effects.  Thank you for elaborating.  So many of us are watching and needing your feedback.

Reply
2/14/11 7:09am

Hello, no the rash has not gone away, and I am still itching like crazy. This is a six-month injection, not a daily pill that is taken and leaves your body after so many hours, so I guess it is anybody's guess how long any of these potential side-effects can last...still waiting to hear back from my G.P. to see if there is anything that can be done to alleviate any of the other symptoms (bone pain/lower back pain, etc.). Thanks for writing. Take care.

Reply
Pam Flores, Health Guide
2/14/11 9:01pm

Hi Maria, yes Prolia comes in another application called Xgeva for the prevention of fractures in cancer patients, but it's given once monthly at 120 mg/mL, where Prolia is given twice yearly at 60 mg/mL, so the Xgeva form is much stronger and more frequent.

 

Here's an article on Xgeva, if you'd like to read it.  Let us know what you decide to do.  I've seen some other positive reviews for Prolia at a different site, if your interested in reading them, let me know.

 

Good luck with your decision.

Reply
Answer This

Important:
We hope you find this general health information helpful. Please note however, that this Q&A is meant to support not replace the professional medical advice you receive from your doctor. No information in the Answers above is intended to diagnose or treat any condition. The views expressed in the Answers above belong to the individuals who posted them and do not necessarily reflect the views of Remedy Health Media. Remedy Health Media does not review or edit content posted by our community members, but reserves the right to remove any material it deems inappropriate.

Ask a Question

Get answers from our experts and community members.

Btn_ask_question_med
View all questions (1304) >
By Maria— Last Modified: 04/11/12, First Published: 02/06/11